Gail Hundt, president and CEO of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce, believes in the power of networking. That belief and her efforts led to the Chamber Executives Ontario group giving Hundt the James Gordon Carnegie Memorial Award recently.
The award is presented annually to a chamber/board executive in Ontario who is nominated by their peers for their exemplary efforts as a leader and mentor to other chamber/board executives.
“This annual award pays tribute to the memory of the late Jim Carnegie, who managed the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for approximately 30 years,” Todd Letts, president of the Brampton Board of Trade, and 2015 Carnegie recipient, said in a release. “He was an outstanding leader in our network and within the community, and acted as a mentor to many chamber executives.”
Hundt said the Carnegie award is recognition of an executive’s ability to share information and work with others.
“It is sharing your successes, but also sharing your challenges and how you learn from your experiences,” she explained. “Hopefully, someone doesn’t have to repeat the challenges and learns from the opportunities.”
Hundt said the award is a huge pat on the back from her peers. She said being a member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, as well as Chamber Executives Ontario is a boon.
“We have an organization that (chamber) management can and should belong to across Ontario. We share ideas, resources and knowledge,” she said. “It’s good to be able to knock ideas and conversations off one another. It’s a great way to embrace other ideas and possibly learn from them.”
Hundt, who has served as head of the local chamber for more than 22 years, said she’s quick to offer advice and to listen.
“I’ve learned a few things along the way. The uniqueness as the communities and businesses change – we’re always up against new opportunities. It never gets tiring,” she said. “There are new ways of doing business for our office and our organizations and our members who we represent.”
Hundt said input from fresh faces is always appreciated.
“It’s fortunate for me that I’m able to learn from others as well. Creativity from a newcomer is also valuable,” she said. “I’m fortunate to be able to give back and offer some advice to others as we all aim to be the voice of business in our communities.”
Hundt said the chamber executives in this province believe in sharing success stories.
“No one within Chamber Executives Ontario is selfish with their information. We all want each other to do well,” she said.
By sharing successes, as well as hurdles, Hundt said chambers of commerce could collectively give businesses a greater voice, as well as provide greater impact.
“If we can make the chambers of commerce voice greater in our own community, but also Ontario, Canada, and, quite frankly, internationally, governments will listen,” she said.
She said the feature industry of the month program run here that showcases the efforts of one local industry each month to other chamber members is rather unique.
“I’ve had other chambers pick up on that. It helps you learn about your manufacturing sector in your community,” she said. “We learn these individuals chose Chatham-Kent. They are giving back to our community; they are embracing our community. They are our greatest salespeople for the community.”
